Dec 2nd, 2013

Author: CrossFit CDR

Nutrition Corner:

Post-Thanksgiving Detox

I hope all of you enjoyed a very restful and happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends. We at CDR want to thank everyone who came out and celebrated with us by participating in our infamous Turkey Day WOD. There was no better way to start off the holiday than exercising with good friends and breaking a good sweat.

Sometimes, taking time off from work, school, and exercising is greatly needed so that you can recover both mentally and physically from all the demands you place on your body everyday. This rest time allows our body to recharge and heal itself, so that we when we are ready to come back, we will feel faster and stronger. However, I’m sure that some of you partook a little too heavily in the holiday’s festivities and are now regretting eating that extra bite of stuffing, or perhaps that second helping of pumpkin pie. Well, if anyone of you are feeling that post-Thanksgiving regret, don’t get yourself down. There are many ways to get back on track to your healthy lifestyles, and here are a few tips that I hope you find helpful:

Drink plenty of water!: During the holidays, we tend to overeat on sodium-rich foods that give us that bloated/puffy feeling the next day. With an increase in sodium, as well as in carbohydrates, your body will hold onto more fluid in order to balance out the excess sodium that is in your tissues. In order to flush this extra water out, make sure to avoid high sodium foods and drink lots and lots of water.

Increase your intake of insoluble fiber: There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. The first type attracts water and delays the emptying of your stomach so you feel full, and the second type adds bulk to your diet and prevents constipation. By increasing your intake of insoluble fiber, you can get things moving and normalize your digestion after an indulgent meal (or weekend). Some foods high in insoluble fiber include: whole grains, brown rice, broccoli, zucchini, dark leafy greens, and nuts and seeds.

Try a detox drink: When you eat foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, your liver takes a toll in processing these foods and toxins can build up. However, by drinking apple cider vinegar, these toxins can be flushed out as the acids in the vinegar bind to the toxins, and allows them to be eliminated more easily from your system. One brand to try is Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. For a detox drink, mix 2-3 teaspoons of vinegar with water, and drink this up to three times daily. Try adding some stevia if the taste is too bitter for you.

Exercise!: Now is the time to get back on track with your workouts. Exercising is a great way to stimulate and improve digestion after overeating, and sweating also helps to promote the release of harmful toxins from the body.